With summer coming to a close, it might seem like all the fun is following suit. But on Capitol Hill this year, summer is going out with a bang: the two-day PrideFest.

The event will be held on September 4 and 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Broadway. It is free and open to the public.

While PrideFest is usually held in June, this year it was moved to Labor Day Weekend due to record-breaking heat and COVID restrictions. As of now, it is set to return to regular June spot next year.

PrideFest will include many shows on multiple stages along five blocks of Broadway, changing almost every hour (see the schedule for a list).

Because of the strain that the pandemic has put on the area's LGBTQIA+ artists, PrideFest will showcase 100% local talent, such as Adra Boo, DJ Riz, BeautyBoiz, DJ Dana Dub, and Anita Spritzer. There will also be a Lantinx showcase as well as a Trans Power Hour featuring local trans and nonbinary speakers and artists. The organizers behind the Dyke March and Pride Asia will also be producing shows.

Planners have also highlighted some artists by making them co-directors, in order to create a more "distributed and diverse group" deciding on talent and speakers for this highly anticipated festival.

Activities
In addition to live music and shows, there will also be a number of activities to participate in:

September 4: Fierce and Feisty Yoga
To start the weekend off right, resident yoga instructor Morgan Zion will host a Fierce and Feisty Yoga session at the W Seattle on September 4 at 11:00 a.m. This will be a chance to detox, return to center, and get in the right mood for the rest of Pride. The cost is $25 per person, including a complimentary mimosa and all taxes and fees.

September 4: Free Outdoor Movie
PrideFest and Three Dollar Bill Cinema will present a free outdoor movie, Camp, at the Capitol Hill Station Apartments Plaza at Denny and Broadway. Camp is a 2003 musical dramedy about a performing arts summer camp in upstate New York, featuring all the fun of teenage drama—and showtunes! The viewing will start at 8:00 p.m., but people are invited to grab a seat starting at 7:00 p.m. While there is some seating available, prepare to sit on the plaza pavers. For comfort, bring low-backed concert chairs, pillows, and/or blankets. For dinner, there will be lots of delicious options from PrideFest vendors or nearby Broadway restaurants.

September 4: "Silent Concert Saturday"
On Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at E. Mercer and Broadway, there will be a silent disco presented by The DJ Sessions. This all-day event is a live, outdoor celebration in which participants share their love for electronic/hip-hop music in a community setting. Because it will be held at such an open location, dancing is encouraged.

September 5: Anita's Brunch Bonanza
A great option for in-between the Saturday and Sunday programing of PrideFest is Anita's Brunch Bonanza, at the W Seattle, starring Anita Spritzer, the Big Belting B!tch. According to seattlepridefest.org, this will be a great opportunity to "soak up your Hill hangover with the best brunch bonanza in town before hitting up the festival." The event will be hosted by W Seattle's Living Room Bar. Seating starts at 10:30 a.m.; the show will start at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $75, including access to the brunch buffet, one mimosa, admission to the show, and all taxes, fees, and a gratuity. A cash bar will also be available throughout the party. Tickets to the bonanza can be bought at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/anitas-brunch-bonanza-tickets-167690281145/

Of note
As with any celebration, it is not complete without the proper food and libations. There will be lots of options to keep one's energy up, including food trucks, local restaurants, and beer gardens.

In order to keep the Seattle community safe, PrideFest is requiring unvaccinated guests to wear masks and is strongly encouraging vaccinated guests to mask up. Proof of vaccination will be required in order to enjoy the beer gardens.

While PrideFest entry is free, this is a great opportunity to help out local nonprofits, arts and craft vendors, local stores, restaurants, bars, etc. Local small businesses are hoping for a much-needed boost after a difficult and slow year and a half.

Bring your mask, some cash, and a great attitude to this exciting event! After such a challenging season, this is a chance to celebrate life, love, and the ability to come together.

For more information and updates on this year's PrideFest, go to https://www.seattlepridefest.org/.